
I love the new backup feature implementation on Maschine software, the new sampler feature also. Akai’s arranger/song mode is a beast and looks very simple to operate and powerful! I’ve been watching Akai roll out the Keys61 workstation, hell they even got Scott Storch doing promo for the Keys61. Native Instruments seems now definitely last in the sequencer department.

That being said, this maybe the beginning of the end for NI. Now once everyone starts selling off NI MASCHINE+ and other hardware, and NI sales start to slip maybe then we can get NI to implement what the user forums are requesting. Seems like Akai listens to its user base and implements improvements in a timely manner. It doesn't fit my workflow as I like using a PC based DAW at my core but damn it, it's a step towards a synth and sampler all in one with the full sequencer workflow and all that juicy IO to do things with, not to mention the fact it can also connect additional audio interfaces and USB devices to expand it. It just looks like a lot of fun, seemless and swich. Without getting nerded out by the specifics of what runs under the hood, the videos that I have seen reflect what made the MCU so popular. I prefer my Push and MCU over the Touchable App by far, I prefer the use of a Stream Deck instead of app based macro controls for my PC and it comes down to tactile feel and the ability to do things without looking. I have used ipads since their creation but have gone back to physical controls from the "convenience" of touch devices. Yeah, some out there don't want ipad/touch software, I think the appeal of things like the MPC, Maschine+ and hardware is it isn't a lifeless piece of glass.
